Sega reveals new Sonic Boom sub-franchise and game

At the "Year of Sonic" event, Sega has revealed Sonic Boom -- a new sub-franchise in the Sonic world. The new brand will not only sport the previously announced TV show, but two new games on the Wii U and 3DS. This is part of the exclusive deal with Nintendo.

The Wii U game will be headed up by developer Big Red Button (led by a former Naughty Dog art director), and the 3DS version will be handled by Sanzaru Games (the studio that developed the new Sly Cooper). The games will serve as a prequel to the CG TV show.

We didn't get a hands on session, but based on the footage we've seen of the Wii U version, the worlds look massive (although it is confirmed that it is not one open world), and projectile combat seems to be in. In other words, Sonic Boom is looking a lot like Ratchet & Clank right now. It's also important to note that the CryEngine 3 will be used on the Wii U, and that this version is confirmed to support co-op play.

Sega of America president and COO John Chen stressed that "Sonic Boom will not be replacing the original franchise."